#22 - California's New Water Restrictions

California’s water rules are changing—permanently.

Starting January 1, 2025, new regulations from the State Water Resources Control Board will require major water suppliers to cut water delivery significantly by 2040. This isn’t just about managing water during droughts anymore—this is about building drought resilience into everyday life.

Water agencies across the state will now have to develop community-specific water budgets that account for residential, commercial, and landscape use. The measures include limiting outdoor watering, encouraging water-efficient appliances, and pushing Californians to rethink how we use every drop. And here’s the kicker: failure to comply could cost agencies up to $10,000 a day in fines.

So what does this mean for all of us? Are these changes a burden—or an opportunity to innovate?

In episode 22 of What Matters Water TV + Podcast, we have brought together a panel of experts to explore just that:

• Chelsea Haines, Regulatory Director with the Association of California Water Agencies, offering a statewide perspective on this massive shift.
• Kelly Kopp, Professor and Extension Specialist at Utah State University, who’s focused on water efficiency research.
• William Ringland, Public Affairs and Conservation Manager at East Valley Water District, where smaller agencies are stepping up to meet big expectations.
• Fiona Sanchez, Director of Water Resources at Irvine Ranch Water District, who’s at the forefront of implementing large-scale water solutions.

Together, we’ll unpack the opportunities, the challenges, and the practical steps agencies and communities must take to get this right.

The stakes are high, and only time will tell if these changes deliver a sustainable water future without creating financial strain on communities.